📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Retail Media Planning
🔹 Company: IPG Mediabrands
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing retail media strategies for a diverse portfolio of brands
- Leading and mentoring a team to optimize campaigns and deliver measurable results
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor
- Providing thought leadership on retail media trends and best practices to both internal teams and external partners
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of integrated retail media campaigns
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with a passion for retail media and a proven ability to drive results. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in digital advertising or shopper marketing, with a focus on retail media strategy.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement holistic retail media strategies aligned with client objectives and broader marketing plans
✅ Serve as a thought leader on retail media, educating clients and internal teams on emerging trends and best practices
✅ Shape annual retail media playbooks, providing guidance on platform opportunities and category-specific insights
✅ Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with clients, acting as a trusted advisor on retail media strategy
✅ Lead daily interactions with clients, providing regular updates, insights, and recommendations
✅ Collaborate with client partners on annual planning and evaluation, aligning retail media investments with growth objectives
✅ Manage and mentor a team of two direct reports (an assistant and a manager), fostering professional growth and development
✅ Provide guidance and support to ensure the team’s success in campaign planning, execution, and reporting
✅ Establish best-in-class processes for campaign management, driving efficiency and consistency across client accounts
✅ Oversee retail media campaign planning and execution across a variety of platforms, including Amazon, Walmart, Instacart, Loblaws, and more
✅ In partnership with activation team, evaluate and optimize bid strategies, placements, and audience targeting based on performance data
✅ Identify and implement innovative approaches to campaign execution, leveraging emerging capabilities and technologies
✅ Implement advanced performance analysis techniques to refine strategies and optimize campaign performance
✅ Provide regular reporting and insights to clients, highlighting key trends and opportunities for improvement
✅ Monitor campaign performance, track spend, and reallocate budgets as needed to maximize ROI
✅ Work closely with analytics, programmatic, search, and account teams to ensure seamless execution of integrated retail media campaigns
✅ Facilitate alignment between sales, retail, and marketing teams on retail media strategies, ensuring consistency and impact across all touchpoints
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of strategic planning, client management, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing large-scale campaigns and budgets across various retail media platforms.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field; an advanced degree is a plus
Experience: 10+ years of experience in digital advertising or shopper marketing, with a focus on retail media strategy
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of managing large-scale campaigns and budgets across retail media platforms
- Deep understanding of retail media platforms, including advertising options, targeting methodologies, and performance metrics
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a team to success
- Adept at building strong relationships with clients, partners, and internal stakeholders
- Outstanding presentation and communication skills, capable of distilling complex strategies into actionable insights for diverse audiences
- Strong analytical skills and experience with performance modeling and data analysis
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with specific retail media platforms (e.g., Amazon, Walmart, Instacart, Loblaws)
- Fluency in French or other languages relevant to the Canadian market
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in retail media strategy, with a proven ability to drive results and manage large-scale campaigns. Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills are essential for success in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000 CAD per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for a Director-level role in Toronto)
Benefits:
- Generous paid time off with a minimum of 37 paid days off, including vacation and monthly wellness days
- Flexible hybrid work model that works for you
- Focus on personal development with formal training opportunities, including mental health training and inclusion education for everyone
- Chance to be part of and grow within a global network of agencies
- Opportunity to contribute to company culture by joining one of many community-based employee groups
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and meeting-free Friday afternoons
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Director-level role in Toronto. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising & Marketing
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global network with over 18,000 employees in more than 130 countries)
Founded: 1930 (Interpublic Group, the parent company of IPG Mediabrands)
Company Description:
- IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG)
- Manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients
- Offers full-service agency networks (UM, Initiative, and Mediahub) and specialized business units
- Serves a broad portfolio of industry sectors, including automotive, personal finance, consumer product goods (CPG), pharma, health and wellness, entertainment, financial services, energy, toys and gaming, direct to consumer and e-commerce, retail, hospitality, food and beverage, fashion and beauty
Company Specialties:
- Media Planning & Buying
- Automation & Programmatic
- Digital Media
- Branded Content
- Media Barter
- Online & Mobile
- Social Media Marketing
- Sponsorship and Sports Marketing
- ROI and Consumer Research
- Hyper-Local and Multicultural Marketing
- Out-Of-Home Advertising
Company Website: ipgmediabrands.com
ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands is a global leader in media and marketing solutions, with a diverse portfolio of clients and extensive expertise across various industries. This role offers the opportunity to work with iconic brands and contribute to the company's continued success.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Director
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of Retail Media Planning or similar role
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site per week, with flexibility for remote work)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a senior leadership role within the retail media planning team or across other teams within IPG Mediabrands
- Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and collaborate with global teams
- Access to professional development and training opportunities to enhance skills and advance career growth
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and collaborate with global teams. The ideal candidate will be proactive in seeking out growth opportunities and taking on new challenges.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with state-of-the-art facilities
Office Location(s): 100 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001, US (Global headquarters); Calle de Enrique Jardiel Poncela, 6, Madrid, Community of Madrid 28016, ES (European headquarters); Toronto, Ontario, Canada (North American headquarters)
Geographic Context:
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Diverse, multicultural city with a thriving business community
- Strong retail and e-commerce market, with a wide range of retail media platforms available
- Competitive job market with numerous opportunities for professional growth and development
Work Schedule: Flexible hybrid work arrangement, with 2-3 days on-site per week and the option to work remotely for the remainder of the week
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers the best of both worlds, allowing employees to balance the benefits of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a hybrid environment and able to manage their time effectively.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR team
- Behavioral and technical interviews with the hiring manager and team members
- Final interview with the Head of Retail Media Planning or similar role
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Client management and relationship-building abilities
- Leadership and team management skills
- Knowledge of retail media platforms and performance metrics
- Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
- Communication and presentation skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of retail media trends and best practices in your application materials
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, client management, and problem-solving skills
- Research IPG Mediabrands and the retail media landscape to show your enthusiasm and preparation for the role
- Be ready to discuss your experience with retail media platforms and performance analysis techniques
ATS Keywords: Retail Media Strategy, Retail Media Planning, Client Management, Team Leadership, Campaign Planning, Performance Analysis, Retail Media Platforms, Digital Advertising, Shopper Marketing, A/B Testing, Data Analysis, Thought Leadership
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, client management, leadership, and analytical skills. Demonstrating a strong understanding of retail media trends and best practices will be essential for success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics, SQL)
- Retail media platforms (e.g., Amazon Advertising Platform, Walmart Media Group, Instacart Ads)
- Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and project management tools is required for this role. Familiarity with data analysis tools and retail media platforms is also essential.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Collaborative, team-oriented culture
- Focus on continuous learning and professional development
- Data-driven decision-making
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with IPG Mediabrands' values, particularly in the context of this role?
- How do you approach building and maintaining strong client relationships in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
- How do you balance strategic thinking with data-driven decision-making in your approach to retail media planning?
ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands values a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. The ideal candidate will be able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic setting and demonstrate a strong commitment to the company's values.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a high volume of campaigns and budgets across multiple retail media platforms
- Keeping up-to-date with emerging trends and best practices in the rapidly evolving retail media landscape
- Balancing the demands of client management, team leadership, and campaign planning and execution
- Working effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site collaboration and remote productivity
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require a strategic thinker with strong leadership, client management, and analytical skills. The ideal candidate will be proactive in identifying and addressing potential challenges and opportunities.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other retail media planning positions in its focus on leading a team and providing thought leadership to both internal teams and external partners
- Industry-specific context: The retail media landscape is rapidly evolving, with new platforms and technologies emerging constantly
- Career path comparison: This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities to advance to senior leadership roles within IPG Mediabrands or across other teams within the global network
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and development, with a focus on team leadership and thought leadership in the retail media space. The ideal candidate will be proactive in seeking out growth opportunities and taking on new challenges.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive retail media strategy for a major CPG brand, driving a 20% increase in sales and a 15% reduction in cost per acquisition
- Leading a team to optimize campaigns for a leading e-commerce platform, resulting in a 35% increase in ROI and a 25% increase in market share
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute a high-profile sponsorship campaign for a major sporting event, generating over 1 billion impressions and driving a 25% increase in brand awareness
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic thinking, leadership, and client management skills required for success in this role. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving results and managing large-scale campaigns.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
- How does this role fit into the broader retail media planning team and IPG Mediabrands' global network?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within this role and across the global network?
- How does IPG Mediabrands support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in a hybrid work environment?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success. The ideal candidate will be proactive in seeking out information and understanding the nuances of the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/mediabrands/jobs/4685868007
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, client management, and problem-solving skills
- Research IPG Mediabrands and the retail media landscape to show your enthusiasm and preparation for the role
- Be ready to discuss your experience with retail media platforms and performance analysis techniques
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
